Boy George, the iconic figure of queer culture, has consistently defied societal norms throughout his career. Born as George Alan O’Dowd, he gained fame in the early 1980s as the androgynous lead singer of Culture Club, captivating audiences with his bold style and emotive performances. Even today, at 64, he continues to challenge conventional expectations, proving that his artistic spirit remains vibrant and relevant in today’s world.

During a candid interview with The Times on July 11, Boy George shared his thoughts on the current landscape of identity politics within the queer community. He expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of these movements, stating, “I don’t think it’s helped anyone. We’re not a thing.” He emphasized the danger of categorizing diverse groups into rigid definitions, arguing that every individual is unique. “It’s like, ‘This is what black people are, this is what Jewish people are, this is what trans people are.’ No! Everybody is diverse because nobody is like anybody else, so you’re starting from the wrong perspective,” he explained, highlighting the need for a more inclusive understanding of identity.

As discussions around acceptance and visibility grow—especially amidst political efforts to restrict transgender rights in the U.S.—the “Karma Chameleon” singer pointed out a stark difference between online perceptions and real-life interactions. “Trans people are the new people to hate, but I always say: How many trans people have you met today?” he questioned. He noted that the internet often presents a distorted, angry version of reality, while in the real world, most people find little to fear. “There’s the world on the internet, which is hideous and full of anger. Then there’s the real world, which is entirely different so in reality, people have nothing to be nervous about,” he added, urging a more compassionate perspective.

In his signature style, Boy George humorously remarked, “If I’m really lucky my own sexuality takes up about three hours a month.” He emphasized the importance of focusing on life’s practicalities, such as caring for pets and maintaining relationships, rather than fixating on sexuality. “I said in an interview when I was 17, ‘Being gay is like eating a bag of crisps. It’s so not important.’ I still think that now. What do you care about someone’s sexuality unless you’re going to have sex with them?” His perspective invites a broader conversation about the role of sexuality in daily life and the significance placed on it in society.

Despite facing backlash for his past comments, including a 2020 tweet stating “Leave your pronouns at the door,” Boy George has recently stepped forward in defense of trans rights. In a public exchange with Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, who has faced accusations of being transphobic, he challenged her assertions regarding the rights of trans individuals. Rowling has been vocal about her views, which many interpret as anti-transgender, particularly in her opposition to trans women participating in sports and using gender-appropriate public restrooms. In response to her inquiry about what rights trans people have lost, he sharply replied, “The right to be left alone by a rich bored bully!” This exchange underscores his commitment to advocating for marginalized voices.

In discussing his efforts to revive his acclaimed 2002 musical Taboo, Boy George reflected on the theme of trans lives and the impact of Leigh Bowery, a groundbreaking performance artist whose legacy continues to inspire. “What I want to explore in the show is the odd relationship between Leigh and his wife, Nicola Bowery,” he shared. “Long before the term non-binary was coined, here’s a gay guy who married a straight woman, and there was real tenderness and love between them. Yes, part of the reason he married Nicola was to irritate everyone, but I do think he really loved her.” This exploration promises to shed light on the complexity of relationships within the LGBTQ+ community.

George believes that individuals like himself and Bowery emerged from a time when the focus was on authenticity rather than conforming to a broader identity. He expressed concern over the notion of labeling, stating, “Oh totally. Someone said the other day, ‘Leigh Bowery was the blueprint for gay identity. He would have hated that. Hated it!’” This statement resonates with the ongoing debates surrounding queer identity and the importance of honoring personal expressions over societal expectations. George’s reflections encourage a deeper understanding of identity as a fluid and personal journey rather than a fixed label.